The CONNECT National Conference, “A Marine Observing System to Serve Society,” will gather leading ocean science and policy experts on September 29, 2025, in Qawra, Malta. Organized by the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology and supported by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation, the event unites regional and international voices around the critical importance of marine observation for societal benefits.

The conference will open with a welcome from:

• Prof. Aldo Drago, Project Leader of CONNECT, Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology

• Mr. Stephen Vella, Principal and CEO of the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology

• Dr. Anthony Portuguese, Chair – Consultative Committee, Xjenza Malta

• H.E. Valentina Setta, Ambassador of Italy to Malta

• Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation

Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International, will open the conference alongside Aldo Drago and present the vision for the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, a new intergovernmental organization for digital Ocean systems and information services. His presentation will underline the momentum in Europe for collaboration and innovation in Ocean observation, with special mention of Malta’s leadership and engagement in intergovernmental efforts.

Malta’s important role as one of twelve European countries endorsing the joint Declaration at the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice will be recognized.

This Declaration represents a key commitment to advancing Ocean science and observation, led by France and Norway who signed the Convention establishing the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean. Along with Malta, the other signatories are Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, reflecting a pan-European vision for the future of marine data and governance.

The CONNECT programme also features Mercator Ocean experts :

• Stefano Ciavatta, Senior Scientist in ocean biogeochemistry modelling and Head of Marine Ecosystem Service. Stefano will talk about Biogeochemical Essential Ocean Variables: Observations, Modelling, and European Support for Advancing Ocean Monitoring in the Maltese Islands
• Muriel Lux, Environmental Policies and Major Account Manager. Muriel will share perspectives on advancing ocean monitoring, and underscore the key role that the Copernicus Marine Service plays in supporting Malta’s maritime activities.

Local and international participants will contribute to working group sessions to define the needs and pathways for developing a comprehensive marine observing system for the Maltese Islands.

This landmark conference reaffirms Malta’s commitment to international ocean partnerships and showcases the collaborative efforts driving innovation in ocean science, with Mercator Ocean International playing a key role in shaping the digital future of global marine observation.

To register to the CONNECT online conference: CONNECT National conference OurOBS – Marine Observations for the Nation